Cronulla will ask the NRL for financial compensation if they are forced to play a home final away from Ocean Protect Stadium, as part of mooted policy changes.
The NRL has indicated they are leaning towards using discretion for week-one finals matches this year, particularly when it comes to suburban grounds.
It is widely expected that will come down to whether matches are being played between two Sydney teams, or if a club is hosting an interstate side.
That could spell trouble for Cronulla, Manly and St George Illawarra, who are the only three Sydney clubs not to play out of larger stadiums.
Manly CEO Jason King has confirmed to AAP he does not believe 4 Pines Park will be affected, but wants to see clearer guidelines from the NRL.
WIN Stadium could also play into the Dragons' hands, but the fact the old Shark Park is the smallest ground in the NRL does not bode well for Cronulla.
Ocean Protect Stadium has been limited to a capacity of around 15,000 in recent years, but that is expected to increase once work on the adjoining leagues club finishes this year.
Cronulla CEO Dino Mezzatesta is adamant Cronulla deserve a home final if they earn one, but says he will pursue financial compensation otherwise.
"I've already told (NRL CEO) Andrew (Abdo) at the NRL that that's one of the discussion points I'll be having with him," he said.
"You can't expect us to move and then we're also punished financially on the basis that we're not at home. So that'll definitely be a conversation that we'll have."
Mezzatesta also said the NRL could assist by helping push for a stadium upgrade as part of negotiations with the state government over the grand final.
"Everyone's had government support, and it's not like we've been behind for decades," he said.
"And if the rules are you earn the right to have a home semi. Our home is Ocean Protect Stadium.
"How does it materialise that you can have discretion at the commission level now to say that they'll make up their mind, what about the other 15 clubs?"
The NRL operate all finals matches, but teams who finish first, second, fifth and sixth are able to host in week one.
Mezzatesta expressed concerns over whether fans would travel to Parramatta for a home final, or if the club would be forced to play at the home of another rival.
King said Manly would also look at asking for financial compensation if their traditional home at Brookvale could not be used.
But he stressed it was important the NRL make the rules black and white now, rather than having a discretionary call later in the season.
“We understand the Sea Eagles are unlikely to be impacted by the change - which is the right call," King told AAP.
“We’re seeking greater detail on how the NRL intends to exercise its discretion.
"We understand considerations may include minimum standards, match-ups and commercial risk, but at present there’s little information available.
"Ultimately, we can’t sacrifice our fans or the integrity of the competition in pursuit of potential commercial benefit.
"It’s fundamentally about football equity. If clubs earn the right to play at home, that standard should apply consistently across all 17."
Under current rules, the vast majority of clubs can also hold finals matches in their home ground in weeks two and three, with suburban grounds the only venues already ruled out.
That is unlikely to change, regardless of whether Manly, Cronulla or the Dragons were hosting an interstate club in Sydney.
